World ofSPAs SYBARITIC SAILING
All the latest news, views and insights into the wide World of Spas from our well-travelled expert editor, Jo Foley
EDITOR’S LETTER
I’m often asked about the efficacy of ayurvedic treatments and those of Traditional Chinese Medicine, both of which have a growing following in the west. Ayurveda is the oldest medical discipline in the world and treats the cause rather than the symptoms – as does TCM – whereas we in the west are always looking for the quick fix and opt for treating the symptoms. Both disciplines take time and patience as the practitioners and doctors need to adjust the treat- ments as they go along, which can take a while.
Indeed, if you ever opt to go for an ayurvedic retreat, it is recommended you stay a minimum of three weeks. Few of us have that much time, so a number of places now offer a week-long taster. Just don’t expect the same results.
I hate to admit that it is the longest I have ever stayed at one, too, but I promise myself that, one day, I will last the course and stay for a month. I know people who have, and they swear by it. In the meantime, I snatch bits of each and hope for the best...
Most people think of the spa at sea as a haven of peace and tranquillity, but P&O’s Azura has gone one step further and, as a well as housing 14 treatments rooms within the spa, the ship also has The Retreat. This is a separate private, outdoor spa terrace complete with cabanas for open-air treatments with just the sound of the waves to lull you into soporific relaxation. When you want to truly pamper yourself, this is the place to be.
AHEAD OF THE GAME
CITY CHIC HEADS FOR THE COUNTRY
Of all city hotels, few are as glitzily cosmopolitan as London’s Dorchester Hotel, which has now taken it upon itself to have a country outpost. Coworth Park couldn’t be more different in looks and style, but it still offers the standards of service and luxury of its sister property. However the spa at Coworth is an eco- lover’s dream, built mainly from timber with a “living roof” in which lavender, St John’s Wort, chamomile and thyme are grown for use in both spa treatments and in the restaurant. On two floors, it has eight treatment rooms, including two doubles on the first floor, with gym, fitness centre and pool on the ground floor. And, while it offers three of the same
treatment lines as it does in London – Kerstin Florian, Carol Joy of London and Aromatherapy Associates – it is also the first UK spa offering the 100 percent organic Dr Alkaitis treatments and products.
Do you promise yourself that you will organise everything that you need or want to do on holiday, before you leave
home...and then never quite manage it? Well, pre-booking helps, and now Celebrity Cruises has added spa, salon and personal fitness appointments to the list of treats you can pre-book online before embarking on your cruise. As well as shore excursions and dining options, you now have the opportunity to add massage, manicures and hair appointments at a time and date that suits you – even before you’ve packed your suitcase. How’s that for efficiency, not to mention peace of mind?
HEALING WATERS
The mineral rich waters of the Haute- Pyrenees have been used for centuries in dealing with respiratory ailments as well as rheumatism, and many centres have been devoted to this. One of the most renowned is
Cauterets, which has now expanded its spa offering with 10 new treatments and an indoor spa lagoon complete with geysers, mushroom fountains, bubble beds, hydromassage, sauna and Turkish baths. Each one is a treat for the body as aches, pains, tired and knotted muscles are soothed with jets and steam from the natural springs. Look up more at
www.thermesdecauterets.com.
Winter 2010 / 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING 43
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